Rappahannock Is LA’s Sunny New Surefire Seafood Star in Downtown

It’s seafood season in Downtown, as Rappahannock Oyster Bar swims ashore at the massive ROW project today. Expect lunch hours only to start, and a heavy focus on all things maritime.

That’s not to say the decor at Rappahannock mirrors that of a midwest Red Lobster. Rather the bright, tall corner space is outfitted with classic East Coast seafood touches, from well-worn wooden floors and marble countertops to exposed ceiling textures, white subway tile, and little pops of greenery and color. Studio UNLTD designed the room, which sits a compact 500 square feet while offering three times that in patio space.

On the food side, chef Nick Erven is in to oversee all the oysters, lobster rolls, burgers, and other casual accoutrement rolling out for lunch today. There are salads, crispy fingerling potatoes, and fried chicken to be had, as well as seafood towers that harken back to the Rappahannock Oyster name. Cousins Ryan and Travis Croxton now oversee a family company that stretches back almost 125 years, with oysters beds and restaurant outlets along the East Coast. They’ve still got seafood in their veins, and still sell their product to Le Bernadin. The opening lunch menu is below.

Freshly shucked

Seafood towers

Rappahannock Oyster Bar launches lunch today at ROW DTLA, with general manager Anthony Ko overseeing the arrival. Hours run 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with an extension into weekend and dinner hours — complete with beer and wine — soon.